James, author of the New Testament epistle of the book that bears his name, writing to first-century saints, identifies some problems that have plagued every Christian community—then and now. He also offers some sure solutions that worked then and will work now. Follow the discourse of this “half-brother” of Jesus in James 4:1-10:
The prevalent problems
- The problem of wars, fightings, v. 1. These were both “among you” and “in your members.” They were the kinds of conflicts that would destroy a business, an office, a home, or a church. They were both external (among you) and internal (in your members). Jesus warned that a house divided against itself could not stand.
- The problem of unfulfilled desires or unsatisfied lusts, v. 2a. Lust for ambition, for material gain, for more knowledge, for sexual gratification, for power, etc.
- The problem of prayerlessness, v.2b. They had no time to pray and no desire to pray, nor did they have an understanding of what prayer is. They simply had a “wish list” that was personal and selfish.
- The problem of self-centeredness, v.3. Misdirected prayer that was offered up to God for selfish gain. Prayer that was “amiss,” uttered to advance one’s own personal interests.
- The problem of worldliness, v.4. The Christian community at large was so immersed in the world and it allurements, engaged in an intense “friendship” with the world, that there was no heart for God nor for the things of God.
- The problem of envy, v. 5. Envy put Jesus on the cross (Matt. 27:18) and it has sidelined many a believer from serving God. “Bitter envying and strife in your hearts” will cause one to lie against the truth. (James 3:14) This will block every effort to serve God and advance His kingdom.
- The problem of pride, v. 6. God resists the proud. The pride of those to whom James
directed these remarks was demonstrated by their catering to wealthy people who
attended their meetings, while neglecting those who were poor. (James 2:1-6)
The sure solutions
- Submit to God, v. 7. Get down on your knees and confess your sins, acknowledging your transgressions; repent of your disobedience.
- Resist the Devil, v. 7b. Equip yourself with the Sword of the Spirit; put on the whole armor of God. (Eph.6)
- Draw nigh to God. Get your heart and hands washed as Jesus instructed the 12: “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)
- Be afflicted, mourn, weep, v.9. Grieve over sin and its consequences.
- Humble yourself in God’s sight, v.10. Surrender your expectations, yield your authority.
Every Christian community has been plagued from time to time with some, if not all, of the above problems. Jesus warned us that in the world we would have tribulations. Trouble is common to every house, and the household of God is not exempt.
We can react to problems by blaming them on the world, that system of thought and life that is out of harmony with God and the people of God. And as long as we are in the world, the world will be an ever-present force with which to be reckoned.
We can blame the Devil—and he is surely our enemy, seeking as a roaring lion to devour every believer. (I Peter 5:8)
We can—and, at times, should—blame ourselves when we violate God’s precepts and principles. No one has escaped the personal pitfalls and perils that await believers as we advance daily on our pilgrim progress.
James knew that the churches, being in the world and consisting of people from all walks of life, would be beset with problems. In James 4:1-10, he isolates some of the problems common to the Christian community and sets forth some sure solutions.
Nothing has changed from then to now. We are people with the same nature, and the same world is presided over by the god of this world. (2 Cor. 4:4) But by the indwelling Holy Spirit we can have victory, (I John 5:4) and we can deal rightly with every problem. Let us hear and heed God’s counsel through James, and let us be doers of the Word.
“Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
YOU and GOD 